edema

noun ede·ma \ i-ˈdē-mə \

|Updated on: 6 Jul 2018

Definition of edema

1 : an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity — called also dropsy

2 a : watery swelling of plant organs or parts

b : any of various plant diseases characterized by such swellings

—

edematous

play \i-ˈde-mə-təs\ adjective

See edema defined for kids

Recent Examples of edema from the Web

If the swelling in your lungs exacerbates, however, a dangerous condition called high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) can occur.

— brad stulberg, Outside Online, "What Happens to Your Body When You Climb Everest," 11 June 2018
Bodies covered in open sores, the painful result of edema breaking the skin.

— megan specia and kassie bracken, New York Times, "In South Sudan, a Never-Ending Hunger Season Puts Millions in Danger," 30 May 2018
In rare cases, edema — when excessive fluid can collect in the air sacs of the lungs — can occur.

— dwight adams, Indianapolis Star, "Here's what you need to know to prevent drownings," 13 June 2018
Another severe form of altitude sickness is high-altitude pulmonary edema, the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

— katy scott, CNN, "The dangers of oxygen deprivation on Everest," 4 June 2018
The edema can occur hours or even days after the initial contact with water.

— salil pradhan, md, USA TODAY, "Ask a Doc: What's the difference between dry drowning and secondary drowning?," 1 June 2018
The appropriate times to ice are after a new injury, if edema (swelling) is present, or after activity (exercise).

— kristen mc david, pta, Cincinnati.com, "Should I use heat or ice when it hurts?," 7 May 2018
Digestion stops, climbers can suffer crippling headaches, and fluid build up in the brain or lungs (cerebral and pulmonary edemas) can become fatal.

— Time, "The Ethics of Climbing Everest: Double Amputee Xia Boyu’s Feat Fuels Debates About Who Belongs on the Roof of the World," 3 Apr. 2018
The drug is also used to treat edema (fluid retention) caused by various medical problems, including heart, kidney, and liver disease, according to WebMD.

— stefan stevenson, star-telegram, "Mariners' Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for PED use | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'edema.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of edema

New Latin, from Greek oidēma swelling, from oidein to swell; akin to Armenian aytnu- swell, Old English ātor poison

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Medical Dictionary

edema

noun ede·ma

variants: or chiefly British oedema play \i-ˈdē-mə\

medical Definition of edema

plural edemas also edemata \-mət-ə\

: an abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity — called also dropsy

Learn More about edema

See words that rhyme with edema Spanish Central: Translation of edema Nglish: Translation of edema for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of edema for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about edema

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edema

Definition of edema

edematous

Recent Examples of edema from the Web

Origin and Etymology of edema

Other Medicine Terms

Medical Dictionary

edema

medical Definition of edema

Learn More about edema

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edema

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edematous

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Origin and Etymology of edema

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edema

medical Definition of edema

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